Plant Controller for Profitability & Operational Excellence

Kingfisher Recruiting; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingfisher Recruiting is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join a complex manufacturing operation in Illinois. You will partner with operations to drive profitability, lead the accounting team, and supervise all plant financial activities including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

This role requires a strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, capital planning, and internal controls, plus proven leadership and communication skills to influence

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation is required.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, capital expenditures, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.
• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against established goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic and operational decision-making.
• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and recommend initiatives that improve profitability, reduce costs, and strengthen financial performance.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities while ensuring accounting accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain accurate inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases supporting capital investment requests and major operational initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through effective financial planning and working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with corporate financial controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems by ensuring financial compliance with applicable company standards.

Skills

Controller experience (7-10 years)

Financial leadership

Excel proficiency

Inventory accounting

Cost accounting

Internal controls

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Kingfisher Recruiting is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join a complex manufacturing operation in Illinois. You will partner with operations to drive profitability, lead the accounting team, and supervise all plant financial activities including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

This role requires a strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, capital planning, and internal controls, plus proven leadership and communication skills to influence